Well, yesterday looked like the same old Reds who couldn’t hit water if they fell out of a boat. The good news is that the Reds can clinch a winning homestand with a win this afternoon. Yeah, it was just a three-game homestand, but I’ll take a series win against the presumed NL Central favorite.

More good news: Edinson Volquez is on the mound against someone who could be his grandfather, Jon Lieber. The Redlegs really need another good start from Volquez because, heaven knows, the Reds’ hitters aren’t going to contribute to the cause.

At any rate, ignore your job and discuss the game here….

Volquez has had the best run support all season. The team has scored 35 runs in his 6 starts. Ironically, until last night, he had been the only Red’s starter to get zero run support, having pitched in each of the Reds previous two shutouts.

RS per Game when Volquez pitches:
8, 0, 9, 8, 10, 0

Let’s hope for one of those 8-10 run games!

Comment by GregD — 5/7/2008 @ 11:45 am

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Working is more fun than listening to this team.

Comment by preach — 5/7/2008 @ 11:46 am

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I guess Baker has scrapped the lineup from the last few days:

Corey Patterson CF
Jerry Hairston SS
Ken Griffey Jr. RF
Brandon Phillips 2B
Joey Votto 1B
Adam Dunn LF
Edwin Encarnacion 3B
Paul Bako C
Edinson Volquez P

Comment by GregD — 5/7/2008 @ 11:47 am

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I told my boss you told me to ignore my job. He did not appreciate it!

Comment by Chris W — 5/7/2008 @ 11:58 am

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Patterson and Hairston 1-2? I think I’ll work today.

Comment by Chris W — 5/7/2008 @ 11:59 am

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Patterson and Hairston. blech
Dunn still batting 6th.
Encarnacion 7th?

I’d love to see Dunn and Encarnacion’s OBP up in the order.

Comment by GregD — 5/7/2008 @ 12:04 pm

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Dunn and Encarnacion would clog the bases if they got on base further up in the order. Patterson and Hairston won’t, ahem, clog any bases.

Comment by Steve Price — 5/7/2008 @ 12:47 pm

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Nice windy day at the park today … it will be enjoyable to watch the Reds make Leiber look like at top of the line ace like they do with all the other mediocre starters in the league

Comment by Ron — 5/7/2008 @ 12:54 pm

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Heavy rain bearing down on Cincy. This could be a short one, so get the lead early!

Comment by renbutler — 5/7/2008 @ 12:54 pm

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hmm…Hairston does his job, Patterson, Griffey and Phillips don’t. Same old same old.

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 12:55 pm

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Interesting note I just read. You know who is outslugging both Dunn and Griffey. Mr. Corey Patterson. Of course Zambrano is too.

Comment by Scott — 5/7/2008 @ 12:58 pm

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In all fairness though…it’s got to be tough to catch up with Leibers 87 mph heat…man what a stud.

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 1:00 pm

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Home run by Votto! 1-0 good guys.

Comment by nick in va — 5/7/2008 @ 1:01 pm

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Back to back. Dunn hits one out.

Comment by nick in va — 5/7/2008 @ 1:02 pm

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Holy Votto….play the young guys? naaa…lets keep Patterson in there…..Cant get it Dunn actually did…wow

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 1:02 pm

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Bako goes deep. Three homers this inning.

Comment by nick in va — 5/7/2008 @ 1:04 pm

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Where did this offense come from - 4 batters 3 HRs.

Comment by Abner — 5/7/2008 @ 1:04 pm

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Holy cow (to steal a phrase)! I guess the Reds looked at the radar.

Any more lefties coming up?

Comment by renbutler — 5/7/2008 @ 1:04 pm

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Dusty just shakes his head….Bako rocks…David who?

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 1:05 pm

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Thom just said “Patterson needs a new piece of lumber”. Truer words were never spoken….

Comment by preach — 5/7/2008 @ 1:07 pm

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“Strike three” to Patterson actually missed the plate by about 6 inches.

Comment by renbutler — 5/7/2008 @ 1:09 pm

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Bottle this magic, guys. 4HR

Comment by renbutler — 5/7/2008 @ 1:09 pm

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Another homer. A two run shot by Hairston.

Comment by nick in va — 5/7/2008 @ 1:09 pm

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One thing I will say for Baker is that for the most part he has just let Votto play, which is what he should do. On the other hand, there is no excuse for playing Patterson at this point.

Comment by Scott — 5/7/2008 @ 1:11 pm

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no excuse for playing Patterson is right.

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 1:15 pm

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Dusty’s man-crush on Patterson needs to end.

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 1:16 pm

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I like how DirecTV MLB extra innings is finally providing both team feeds (not today) but I wish the guide would tell you which channel was what feed so you could set the DVR easier. Can I get a witness?

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 1:22 pm

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I’m just glad I finally have my HD and my lovely wife is recording the game in beautiful high definition!

Comment by Chris W — 5/7/2008 @ 1:27 pm

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I agree Buddy … I have the same issue.

I am watching the game on high def too … and have discovered how the Reds are hitting so well today, they are closing their eyes

Comment by Ron — 5/7/2008 @ 1:27 pm

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Bako matched his best single season HR record with his 4th homerun today. He’s only hit 4 one other time in his career: 2002 with Milwaukee in 234 at-bats.

Comment by GregD — 5/7/2008 @ 1:29 pm

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Yea HD is addictive, its hard to go back…It’s always a tough choice…if the Reds feed is not in HD but the other teams is…which do you watch?

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 1:31 pm

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The Reds scored 5 runs in the 2nd inning and did nothing to improve their avg with RISP.

Comment by GregD — 5/7/2008 @ 1:31 pm

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I listened to Baker’s pregame interview on the radio. He said Keppinger has lost some weight and needed the day off. Kepp’s supposed to do nothing much but eat all day today and tomorrow.

Is Kepp going to be a Freel-like player. Great as super-utility 300-400 at-bat per year type of guy who wears down with everyday playing time??

Comment by GregD — 5/7/2008 @ 1:33 pm

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OMG, the camera just showed the scariest Cubs fans ever…the ugliest couple with matching mullets….ye gads.

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 1:35 pm

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And Sweet Lou’s got his pants pulled up to his tits….wedgie anyone…ouch!

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 1:37 pm

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When I only have the HD avaiable for the opposing team, I listen to the Reds broadcast on teh radio … they arent always in sinc but its better than listening to these two knuckleheads from Chicago.

Those ugly Cubs fans they showed was Bartman and his wife incognito … its teh only way they can see a game without getting doused in beer

Comment by Ron — 5/7/2008 @ 1:39 pm

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nice one Ron.

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 1:40 pm

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Volquez seems to be walking quite a few batters today.

Comment by GregD — 5/7/2008 @ 1:45 pm

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Hey Walt Jocketty, I know we’re winning and all but I’m still disgusted and bored…can we DFA someone today just for a goof? Actually watching Voltron is pretty fun…96 and then pull the string 81mph…wow

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 1:45 pm

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Walt actually made some moves today … they fianlly promoted some minor leaguers that was long over due.

Comment by Ron — 5/7/2008 @ 1:49 pm

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the cubs announcers have no clue how to identify volquez’s pitches. they’ve called his changeup about 7 different things. cutters, sliders, sinkers.

not really knocking them or anything, it’s not like they should have studied him. but i think it goes to show you how deceptive his change is. it fools me sometimes on tv.

Comment by al — 5/7/2008 @ 1:49 pm

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Ok, its raining, we need a quick 1-2-3 to make this game official

Comment by Ron — 5/7/2008 @ 1:57 pm

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hey cowboy, not everyone is getting in on the action today (cough, Patterson, cough).

Comment by Andy — 5/7/2008 @ 2:11 pm

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These homeruns are nice, but how does this help the team’s avg w/RISP?

Comment by GregD — 5/7/2008 @ 2:11 pm

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geez, save some for ny guys.

Comment by al — 5/7/2008 @ 2:11 pm

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hey guys, save some homeruns for the rest of the season.

Comment by Andy — 5/7/2008 @ 2:11 pm

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Patterson’s the good luck charm!

Comment by GregD — 5/7/2008 @ 2:12 pm

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imagine if we could have gotten volquez for dunn instead of hamilton

Comment by joe — 5/7/2008 @ 2:13 pm

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It’s either a big 8+ run scoring game, or it’s 0-2 runs. There’s little in between with this team so far this year.

Comment by GregD — 5/7/2008 @ 2:13 pm

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Cub pitchers have been throwing BP today … not of those homers were on good pitches … big fatties right down the pipe. If pitchers throw decent pitches with good location, more often than not the Reds will struggle …

Comment by Ron — 5/7/2008 @ 2:17 pm

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Back from my allergy shot and HOLY VOTTO!

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 2:36 pm

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Ok, what’s the consensus on how long they should let Volquez go? He’s at 94 pitches through 6 IP. I’d try to get him through the 7th, but no more than 110.

Comment by Bill — 5/7/2008 @ 2:36 pm

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cubs killer votto

Comment by Andy — 5/7/2008 @ 2:38 pm

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I was wrong about thinking the offense was going to be anemic today thanks to the one two punch of hairston and patterson. Thank goodness for Votto!

Comment by Kerm — 5/7/2008 @ 2:38 pm

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Vottomatic!

Comment by GregD — 5/7/2008 @ 2:40 pm

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I’d let him pitch 7, with a quick hook. no sense forcing anything w/ a 9 run lead, but a rested bullpen headed into NY isn’t a bad thing

Comment by Andy — 5/7/2008 @ 2:40 pm

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i agree ron, but isn’t that pretty much true for everyone?

red letter day for votto. 3hr, 1bb and a sb.

that’s a .1000/.1000/.4000 line on the day. not bad.

Comment by al — 5/7/2008 @ 2:40 pm

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These games are a lot more fun to watch! (Although when will Dusty stop putting 0-fer Patterson in the leadoff spot?!) I’d put him 9th in the lineup ala LaRussa.

Comment by CeeKeR — 5/7/2008 @ 2:43 pm

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Who’s the only red in the lineup to not have a hit?

Comment by GregD — 5/7/2008 @ 2:43 pm

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Not really Al … good disciplined hitters hit good pitching and punish bad pitching … undisciplined hitters rarely hit good pitching … and we have a lineup full of hackers. I dont blame the players completely .. I put just as much of the onus on coaching.

Im putting my votes in for Votto for ROY right now. I’d love to see him get a chance to get #4.

Comment by Ron — 5/7/2008 @ 2:45 pm

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This team’s like a gang of binge drinkers on their weekly London pub crawl. How much longer for Voltron? Another strike out. Maybe let Stormy pitch….on second thought…Hey Ron, what moves are you talking about?

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 2:46 pm

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good disciplined hitters have better success against good pitchers, but also make them throw more pitches, get them to a higher pitch count earlier in the game, let the rest of the team take advantage of the high pitch through the pitcher’s lessening effectiveness or by facing the middle relievers.

Comment by GregD — 5/7/2008 @ 2:50 pm

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I find myself rooting against Patterson today in hope that I may never see his name in a lineup ever again. This has to be the final nail in his coffin. Let’s pray Dusty realizes he sucks after today.

Comment by TylerS — 5/7/2008 @ 2:51 pm

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The best thing about this game is seeing the blank and dumb expressions on the faces of the annoying Cubs fans who drive to GABP. Sucka’s…

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 2:51 pm

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What a goofy-ass team. Shutout, shutout, 10 runs, shutout.

This team used to have good plate discipline. Of course, a ton of people bitched and moaned about called 3rd strikes. Now, they swing at pretty much anything.

Comment by Chris — 5/7/2008 @ 2:52 pm

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paging….Dick……Pole…..the Vulcan needs one more….the Cubs announcers are discussing how the Cubs are gonna come back….

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 2:55 pm

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ah ha….sit down Lee!

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 2:56 pm

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I heard Thom complaining about their plate discipline last night, could it have something to do with Dusty’s philosophy? Nahhh.

118 pitches, that’s plenty.

Comment by Bill — 5/7/2008 @ 2:56 pm

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have to question running volquez up so high in a 9-0 game.

Comment by al — 5/7/2008 @ 2:59 pm

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After Dusty commented on guys taking too many pitches in spring training (I believe Votto was the target of the conversation), Votto had something like one walk in about his first 50 plate appearances this year and was doing so-so. Now, I think he’s had 8-9 more in his second group of 50 plate appearances and he’s on fire.

That’s how plate discipline helps.

Dunn, Griffey, and Phillips will come around….I just hope the pitching holds out long enough.

Pitching Volquez needlessly does not help the pitching staff….we have more relief arms in the minors and all over baseball….

Comment by Steve Price — 5/7/2008 @ 3:00 pm

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Buddy,

Valaika & Frazier were finally promoted one level. Long over due as they were too old for the level they were playing at and where being blocked by non prospects … Meseraco, our #1 pick last year was finally sent to Dayton from extended spring training … where he should have been all along. We still have two or three other guys in need of a promotion. Stubbs, Thompson, & Smith just to name a few.

Comment by Ron — 5/7/2008 @ 3:01 pm

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Just wanted to reiterate that Joey Votto is my favorite Red!

Comment by Chris W — 5/7/2008 @ 3:01 pm

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Thom just said that everybody, including the pither, has a hit except Patterson…..anyone suprised by that statement?

Comment by preach — 5/7/2008 @ 3:02 pm

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ah, the Voltron’s fine….rest well Ed…you done good.

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 3:02 pm

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Free Norris Hopper!!!

Comment by preach — 5/7/2008 @ 3:02 pm

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118 is a bit much.

Comment by Chris — 5/7/2008 @ 3:04 pm

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Thanks for the update Ron.

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 3:04 pm

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Was just looking on CBS Sportsline Gamecenter at Patterson’s hot/cold zones…he only has cold zones. I’ve never noticed that before on anyone.

Comment by Bill — 5/7/2008 @ 3:04 pm

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Everybody’s fed up with Patterson, announcers included.

Comment by Chris — 5/7/2008 @ 3:07 pm

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Holy Moly …Mr. Redlegs took a serious tumble and his baseball head fell off…

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 3:08 pm

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Well if Farney cooled it with the bubblegum he may have gotten in on the gang bang.

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 3:12 pm

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I think Pattersons plan at the palte is to swing at everything and hope to accidently get a hit every once in a while

Comment by Ron — 5/7/2008 @ 3:12 pm

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Did Thom just refer to Weathers as being “lights-out in a closer’s role” last year? Is my fevered mind playing tricks on me?

Comment by DevilsAdvocate — 5/7/2008 @ 3:16 pm

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You just know Stormy’s gonna blow the shut out. But not because he didnt care.

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 3:17 pm

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Ok so i was wrong…sorry Storm

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 3:21 pm

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Wow, wish I had recorded this game. Is it on WGN?

Comment by Jared — 5/7/2008 @ 3:24 pm

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No its on Comcast Sportsnet

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 3:25 pm

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Bernie Stowe bobblehead night? Thoughts

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 3:27 pm

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Gah.. I used to look forward to the Reds playing the Braves and Cubs because I could watch the game. Not anymore.

Comment by Jared — 5/7/2008 @ 3:30 pm

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I didnt realize the mustache was catching. Sweet Lou is scowling and his pants are still pulled all the way up to his man t’s

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 3:35 pm

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If Bailey isn’t going to be brought up, I wouldn’t mind seeing Affedlt take a crack or two at starting a game. Another bad start from Bronson, and I’ll be convinced.

Comment by Matt B. — 5/7/2008 @ 3:36 pm

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Alfonso Soriano hitting .190 ouch! Sucka’s!

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 3:37 pm

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“Alfonso Soriano hitting .190 ouch! Sucka’s!”

Yeah, can you imagine having a lead-off hitter that awful? :D:D

I know, at least ours isn’t locked in for ten years and a bazillion dollars.

Comment by renbutler — 5/7/2008 @ 3:40 pm

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“Did Thom just refer to Weathers as being ‘lights-out in a closer’s role’ last year? Is my fevered mind playing tricks on me?”

IIRC, he did have a great stretch of saves. However, he did get very shaky as time went on.

Comment by renbutler — 5/7/2008 @ 3:42 pm

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Typical ESPN homerism .. if any Redsox or Yankee player was coming up for a chance at hitting 4 homers in a game, they’d break coverage and show that players next AB live … not a peep out of them until after the game is over. Gotta love it.

Comment by Ron — 5/7/2008 @ 3:43 pm

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no doubt renbutler….I still cant believe Patterson’s getting 3 mil though…is it possible that he’s dusty’s illegitimate child.

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 3:46 pm

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Reds get no love from Gammons and gang unless it’s to talk about where Griffey should get traded to….typical

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 3:48 pm

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Hey my Dick Pole customized replica Jersey just got here UPS…..yes!

Comment by buddy — 5/7/2008 @ 3:56 pm

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ren - Joke all you want, I think I’d trade Patterson straight up for Soriano in a non-salary capped fantasy league.

Comment by Jared — 5/7/2008 @ 4:09 pm

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